Thanksgiving is the time to gather with the family and friends. It’s a traditional way where the whole family comes together and has a special kind of food prepared for the occasion. Thanksgiving meal is the one meal of the year that everybody will know what to expect what you will be eating. Turkey is the key item.

It is so popular in the thanksgiving meals that sometimes thanksgiving is referred as Turkey Day. Stuffing, rolls, turnips, cranberry sauce, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, corn, mashed potatoes with gravy and sweet potatoes are all associated with the Thanksgiving dinner. Different people follow different traditions and each family has their own traditional dishes and the way to prepare it. some guests get some dishes along with them and some might even help with cooking in the kitchen.

But how to avoid the unwanted stuffing

Have water instead of soda. Water is dieter’s best friend. Drink plenty of water as it will help you in controlling your appetite and will make you feel fuller.

Slow and steady wins the race

This fits our conversation well. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to record that you are full. So enjoy your food, drink plenty of water and eat slowly. Give your mind enough time to catch up with your brain, many experts say that the right way to eat is to slow down, put your fork on the table between bites, taste each mouthful and enjoy the meal. You will feel full and satisfied with one plate full of food.

Do not go starving to the dinner

Eat before you go to the party. You can have a healthy breakfast followed by a low calorie snack before hitting the Thanksgiving buffet. Start the day with a small breakfast like egg with toasted bread, or a bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk. You can eat a small nutritious meal which is rich in protein and fiber before going to the gathering. This will help you with your choice of food and beverages at the party and you will eat less if you feel that your appetite is under control.

Be choosy while picking up items

Don’t waste your precious calories on large portions of food which you can eat every day. Pick small portions of holiday favorites which you get to eat only once a year so that you can enjoy the desirable, traditional food. As every person has a different food choice, keep in mind that some holiday foods are better in choice than the other. Pick something from plain vegetables, roasted sweet potato, mashed potato, white turkey meat, pumpkin pie. These food items are low in fat and calories and hence can be eaten.

If you eat slowly and drink plenty of water with the meal then you won't feel the need to go for the second round. Even if the host insists then you can politely say a No.

Hors d'oeuvres can be high in calories and fat. You can always eat crudités, cooked vegetables and small amount of sweet potato, white potato, beans and carrots. Before hitting the buffet do a complete survey. Take a complete look at the items and decide which will make a satisfying and healthy dinner. Put only 2 items at a time and do not overload your plate with 20 items at once.

Stop when you are full

This is quite obvious that we will stop when we are full but it becomes difficult to resist ourselves when we are at the Thanksgiving table to stop from taking the seconds. That’s the reason why the best way to deal with this situation is to eat slowly, drink plenty of water and push away from the table when you are done.

Avoid drinking alcohol

If at all you plan to have a glass then limit yourself and drink in moderation.

Say No politely

Different people have different perceptions. Some might show they love through food and some may feel threatened by your diet or the pile of food onto your place. Well, what you put in your body is your business. Rehearse politely saying “no” in your mind and let your host know that you are on a diet so that they won't feel offensive when you refrain yourself from the second round.

Lastly, make healthy choices

Fortunately, Thanksgiving basis comprises of healthy food. Turkey is a great source of protein and sweet potato full of vitamin A. choose wisely. If you plan to pick turkey then eat white turkey meat instead of dark stuff as it contains much fat. If you are making the dinner then follow few steps like, decrease the amount of salt and butter in the side dishes. Try to use whole-grain breads and cereals wherever possible as they are rich in fiber and vitamin B. Brown and wild rice and millet are a source of some protein, magnesium, fiber and iron. Seeds and nuts are also good source of protein and good type of fat. You can also have good combinations of apples with walnuts, mushrooms with ginger and brown or wild rice, lentils with barley or rice and herbs and spices also make a good combination.

Above all, there is nothing like exercising after having a load of extra calorie dinner. The best way to exercise is to take a walk after the dinner. It is the best way for the families to get physical activity together.